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Visitors flock to Yosemite National Park in California for its world-famous natural beauty and bountiful wildlife. Because so many people visit the park each year, budget-conscious travelers must plan their trips far in advance or be very flexible in their choices to save money on lodging.

Bare Bones In Yosemite Village

Those who balk at spending more than $100 a night for a room won't find a bevy of choices inside the park. Some of the cheapest lodging is at the Yosemite Housekeeping Camp, in Yosemite Village, which is one step above pitching a tent. Each of the 266 rooms has three concrete walls and a curtained fourth wall, which leads to a covered outdoor patio. Rooms include a bunk bed and double bed, but extra cots can bring the sleeping total up to six. There are no telephones or television.

Affordable Options in Yosemite Village

Half Dome Village, another option in centrally located Yosemite Village, has a greater mix of accommodations. The wooden cabins are fairly affordable, by Yosemite standards, and you can choose one without a private bath to save more money. The cabins come with wall heaters and daily maid service, but no telephone or television. However, most people wind up staying in the village's numerous tent cabins, which are much like the offerings at the Housekeeping Camp. Four canvas walls cover a wooden frame and floor to create the cabins that can sleep up to five people; electricity is available, but not all have heat. There is no daily maid service.

Yosemite Valley

If you prefer to stay outside the bustle of Yosemite Village, but still in the Valley near popular sites like El Capitan, try the White Wolf Lodge. Much like Half Dome Village, this settlement has wooden cabins, as well as canvas tent cabins. All of the wooden cabins are heated, with daily maid service and en suite bathrooms. The canvas tents, which sleep up to four, are akin to those at Curry Village, and do not offer these amenities. Be warned, however, that White Wolf is one of the most frequented locations in the park, and you will likely have to make reservations a year or more in advance.

Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows rounds out Yosemite's affordable overnight options. Canvas tent cabins that sleep up to four people are the only option here, and do not come with electricity. There are no private cooking amenities at Tuolumne, so plan to eat prepared meals at the lodge, which serves breakfast and dinner.